MOUNT SARMIENTO — BARlfOW HEAD. May 1829- 



Two thirds of the height are covered with snow ; and two 

 enormous glaciers descend into the deep blue waters of the 

 sea beneath. When the sun shines, it is a most brilliant and 

 magnificent sight. 



" Many days were almost lost to us, in consequence of heavy 

 gales, accompanied by torrents of rain ; but we profited by 

 intervals of fine weather to move from cove to cove. 



" On the 5th of May, while working out of Stormy Bay, 

 we grounded, and remained fixed upon a rock several hours, 

 but were lifted off again by the next tide, without having sus- 

 tained material injury. 



" To vessels navigatipg this channel, I should strongly re- 

 commend giving a preference to the south shore, where there 

 are many openings, and I have no doubt good anchorages, 

 which, as our time was limited, and the weather very tempes- 

 tuous, we had not an opportunity of examining. If any such 

 exist they would have a decided advantage over those on the 

 north shore, from being generally to windward, and therefore 

 easy to leave, as well as more secure. King and Fitz Roy 

 Islands, lying in mid-channel, between Stormy and Park Bays, 

 are of bold approach, as are also the Kirke Rocks, which lie 

 further to the S.W. 



" One morning, being anxious to obtain a more secure 

 situation for the vessel, we started in search of a better berth, 

 intending, if possible, to reach a bay on the other shore, near 

 Barrow Head, apparently affording good anchorage ; but after 

 beating about, from nine until four oVlock, without being- 

 able to reach it, the breeze freshening, and sea increasing, we 

 bore up, and again anchored under the lee of the same island. 

 S.W. winds prevail in these parts throughout the year : in 

 confirmation of which, besides the experience we ourselves have 

 had, all the trees which stand exposed, are bent in an opposite 

 direction ; and on the S.W. side of all the land open to that 

 point, not only does the vegetation commence much further 

 from the water's edge, but it is scarcer, and more stunted. In 

 sheltered places the trees grow to within a foot of high- water 

 mark. - 



